Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

enevolence which will keep in constant exercise an interest in the salvation
of their fellow men. The moral law enjoined the observance of the Sabbath,
which was not a burden except when that law was transgressed and they
were bound by the penalties involved in breaking it. The tithing system was
no burden to those who did not depart from the plan. The system enjoined
upon the Hebrews has not been repealed or relaxed by the One who
originated it. Instead of being of no force now, it was to be more fully carried
out and more extended, as salvation through Christ alone should be more
fully brought to light in the Christian age.
Jesus made known to the lawyer that the condition of his having eternal
life was to carry out in his life the special requirements of the law, which
consisted in his loving God with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and
strength, and his neighbor as himself. When the typical sacrifices ceased at
the death of Christ, the original law, engraved in tables of stone, stood
immutable, holding its claims upon man in all ages. And in the Christian age
the duty of man was not limited, but more especially defined and simply
expressed.
The gospel, extending and widening, required greater provisions to
sustain the warfare after the death of Christ, and this made the law of
almsgiving a more urgent necessity than under the Hebrew government.
Now God requires, not less, but greater gifts than at any other period of the
world. The principle laid down by Christ is that the gifts and offerings should
be in proportion to the light and blessings enjoyed. He has said: "For unto
whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." Luke 12:48.
The blessings of the Christian Age were responded to by the first
disciples in works of charity and benevolence. The outpouring of the Spirit
of God, after Christ left His disciples and ascended to heaven, led to selfdenial
and self-sacrifice for the salvation of others. When the poor saints at
Jerusalem were in distress, Paul wrote to the Gentile Christians in regard to
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